Plastic bottle having a depression for receiving a drinking straw

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a plastic bottle ( 100 ) with a depression ( 120 ) embedded into the jacket wall ( 110 ) for receiving a straw ( 130 ). The plastic bottle ( 100 ) is characterized in that the latter exhibits a lower region ( 112 ) that conically expands from the footprint ( 111 ) of the bottle toward its neck ( 114 ), which is followed by a region ( 113 ) that conically tapers toward the neck ( 114 ), wherein the depression ( 120 ) in the jacket wall ( 110 ) proceeds along a straight line from the area above the footprint ( 111 ) and, in the conically tapering region, empties into a grasping zone ( 125 ) that exhibits a straw gripping zone ( 126 ).

The present invention relates to a plastic bottle designed in such a way that a straw can be accommodated therein in a depression especially provided for this purpose, thus allowing the plastic bottle to be offered to the end user together with the straw secured thereto as a singular product. As a result, this type of plastic bottle with integrated straw eliminates the need for the end user to additionally procure a separate straw. The depression in the plastic bottle is generally configured in such a way that the straw can be easily removed and is protected against contamination.

Plastic bottles suitably designed for accommodating straws are known in various embodiments. However, in most of these plastic bottles, the straw is hard to remove for use and/or cannot be stowed away again. The straw is often also lost during transport, and leads to annoyance on the part of the customer.

For example, EP001552 discloses a bottle with a straw-like pouring tube as a refilling aid, which can be stowed away in a grooved depression in the bottle wall. The tube is to be placed on the elongated spray nipple of a conventional screw cap during use. As evident from the patent specification, the grooved depression is designed in such a way that the straw must be bendable. This makes it difficult or impossible for the end user to repeatedly stow the straw.

U.S. Pat. No. 406,392 discloses a disposable bottle lid, the outer surface of which exhibits a depression designed in such a way that it can accommodate a folded straw. The straw must exhibit two corrugated zones so that the straw can be folded and stowed in the depression.

DE 2422419 discloses a combination container for a liquid, the essentially horizontal upper wall of which exhibits a channel for accommodating a straw. The channel is configured with a removable lid in such a way that the straw can be manually removed from the channel. As evident from the drawing, the straw must be foldable to be accommodated in the curved configuration of the channel.

The plastic bottles enumerated below disclose a straw that is in direct contact with the liquid contained inside the plastic bottle in the stowed state. In these embodiments, the plastic bottle can only be sealed for sale to the end user after the straw has been accommodated in the bottle along with the beverage.

KR1020010064538 discloses a square beverage packaging that exhibits a straw positioned in one corner inside the beverage packaging. When not in use, the straw is stowed completely inside the beverage packaging in a folded or clinched state, and in constant contact with the beverage contained therein. In order to drink through the straw, the end user must unfold the latter, and because the straw is positioned in the corner, the end user must always hold the beverage packaging so that it is tilted correspondingly.

DE 102007050000 discloses a straw exhibiting two desired bends, so that it is divided into three parts, and can be completely accommodated in a closed drinking bottle. During its manufacture, the drinking bottle can only be sealed after the straw has been introduced. In addition, there is no guarantee that the top part of the straw will extend out far enough that it can be sucked on.

JP 2005067658 also discloses a drinking bottle with a straw integrated therein.

In the light of the aforementioned drinking bottles, the object of the present invention is to create a plastic bottle that incorporates the depression in such a way as make it easier to remove the straw from the depression and put it back into the depression.

This object is achieved by means of a plastic bottle with the features in claim 1. Additional advantageous embodiments may be gleaned from the independent claims, and their meaning is explained in the following specification. The figures represent preferred exemplary embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention, and will be explained below in detail.

FIG. 1A schematically depicts a diametrical longitudinal section through the plastic bottle provided with a depression according to a corresponding embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B schematically depicts a partial cross section along the B-B-line denoted on FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A schematically depicts a front view of a plastic bottle provided with the depression and a straw positioned in the depression according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B schematically depicts a side, partial cross section of the plastic bottle provided with the depression and the straw positioned in the depression according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A schematically depicts a side view of a plastic bottle provided with the depression and the corresponding support elements according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B schematically depicts a side view of the plastic bottle provided with a shrink wrap hose and its desired tear line according to an embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a top view of the plastic bottle provided with a depression and the straw positioned in the depression according to an embodiment of the invention.

Reference number 100 denotes a plastic bottle having a depression 120. As schematically depicted on FIGS. 1A and 1B, the jacket wall 110 of the plastic bottle 100 is configured in such a way in an embodiment of the invention as to give the latter a lower conical region 112 that expands from the footprint 111 toward the neck 114. A cylindrical region could also be provided in place of the conical region 112. The lower conical region 112 of the jacket wall 110 empties into a gripping region 125 or into an upper conical region 113, which in turn tapers and empties into a neck 114, i.e., the lower, expanding conical region 112 is directly or indirectly followed by an upper, tapering region 113. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower conical region 112 is higher than the upper conical region 113. In another embodiment of the invention, the lower conical region 112 is at least approximately as high as the upper conical region 113. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the lower conical region 112 is not as high as the upper conical region 113. In corresponding embodiments of the invention, the angle between the longitudinal axis Z of the plastic bottle 100 and the lower conical region 112 will be larger than, equal to or smaller than the angle between the longitudinal axis Z and the upper conical region 113.

The jacket wall 110 exhibits a depression 120, which runs at least approximately along a straight line proceeding from above the footprint 111, as well as through the lower conical region 112 and also partially through the grasping zone 125 or up until partially into the upper conical region 113. In the upper conical region 113 or in the grasping zone 125, the depression 120 empties into a straw gripping zone 126 arranged between the two conical regions 112 and 113. The straw gripping zone 126 is configured in such a way that a straw 130 can be gripped from the front and/or top with the fingers, so that the straw 130 can be removed from the depression 120 while simultaneously moving the fingers up, generally tracing the straight line followed by the depression 120.

As schematically depicted on FIG. 1B, the depression 120 in one embodiment of the invention has a semi-cylindrical cross section, and optionally exhibits at least one clamping bead 128 arranged laterally therein. For example, this clamping bead 128 can run over the entire length of the depression, or only be situated at least under the straw gripping zone 126. As an option, this clamping bead 128 can also be bilaterally arranged in the depression 120 over the entire length, so as to positively hold the straw 130 in the depression 120.

The plastic bottle 100 is wound with a shrink wrap hose 140, so that the shrink wrap hose 140 covers the depression 120 over its entirety. The straw 130 is not damaged by the contraction of the shrink wrap hose 140. Supporting elements 127 schematically depicted on FIG. 2A are situated on the side of the straw gripping zone 126. Formed as a single piece, these supporting elements 127 project radially out of the jacket wall 110 to a point where they support the straw 130. In other words, the supporting elements comprise jacket wall elements directed radially outward. As a consequence, the shrink wrap hose 140 is pressed against the supporting elements 127 as it contracts, so that it only slightly contacts the straw 130, if at all. In one embodiment of the invention, the supporting elements 127 diverge from each other toward the neck 114 so as to widen the straw gripping zone. As schematically depicted on FIG. 2B, the floor 121 of the straw gripping zone 126 can exhibit a directional change 122 toward the neck 114, so that the upper part 131 of the straw 130 extends somewhat away from the floor 121 of the straw gripping zone 126, making it easier for the end user to grab. However, this is not required, and the floor 121 can hence extend over the entire length, as depicted on FIG. 1A.

Returning to FIG. 2A, the jacket wall 110 in one embodiment of the invention exhibits gripping aids 115, so as to elevate the grip of the plastic bottle 100 while shaking In corresponding embodiments of the invention, the gripping aids 115 are formed by an at least partially or completely burled surface 118 of the jacket wall 110. While vertically running bulges 116 in the jacket wall 110 that form corresponding vertically running grooves 117 also elevate the grip, the primary function of the bulges 116 is to increase the turbulences in the product in the shaking process, thereby maximizing foam formation, shortening the shaking time and effervescing the foam in as fine-pored and homogeneous a manner as possible.

The plastic bottle 100 according to the invention is configured as a shaker overall. Such a shaker can only be effective as a shaker if the shaker is not completely filled, thus leaving enough empty space to carry out the shaker function. In particular, the present plastic bottle 100 is intended to shake milkshakes or also mildly alcoholic mixed drinks into a foam therein. As already mentioned, this necessitates sufficient empty space. Such a container standing in a rack is usually made out of PET and correspondingly transparent, and the corresponding empty space would bother the buyer. For this reason, it is provided that an imprinted shrink wrap hose 144 be applied. Correspondingly, this imprinted shrink wrap hose 144 is largely opaque. As a consequence, such a plastic bottle 100 standing in the rack does not create the visual impression of being incompletely filled.

The consumer will recognize the plastic bottle 100 as a shaker and shake it accordingly. Corresponding instructions on the imprinted plastic wrap hose will then prompt him or her to remove the plastic hose in the upper region along the provided desired tear seams, thus now making the original empty space visible. However, the corresponding vigorous shaking action now fills this space with foam.

As schematically depicted on FIG. 3B and briefly mentioned in conjunction with the description to FIG. 2A, a shrink wrap hose 140 is wound around the plastic bottle 100, covering the jacket wall 110 to such an extent where the straw 130 inserted into the depression 120 is completely covered, and thus protected against contamination.

The shrink wrap hose 140 exhibits a desired tear line 145, which makes it possible to separate an upper part 142 from a lower part 141 of the shrink wrap hose 140. According to corresponding embodiments of the invention, the desired tear line 145 can be formed by a perforation and/or a weakened or thinner material.

The desired tear line 145 is arranged in such a way that at least a part of the straw gripping zone 126 can be exposed. For example, a horizontal part 146 of the desired tear line 145 can be arranged under the grasping zone 125, or at least under the supporting elements 127. The desired tear line 145 exhibits a part 147A and/or 147B that runs from the upper edge 143 of the shrink wrap hose 140 limitedly toward the footprint 111, i.e., downwardly. These partial desired tear lines 147A, 147B empty into the at least approximately horizontally circumferential and self-contained horizontal part 146 of the desired tear line 145. The downwardly running part 147A runs approximately perpendicular to the horizontal part 146, and the downwardly running part 147B runs at an angle and/or curved toward the horizontal part 146 of the desired tear line 145. The upper part 142 of the shrink wrap hose 140 is opaque. As a result, the free space inside the plastic bottle 100 remains invisible before the latter is shaken, i.e., before foaming the liquid contained in the plastic bottle 100, as described previously.

In an embodiment of the invention, the upper part 142 of the shrink wrap hose 140 is provided with a tab 144, which makes it easier to apply a force in the downwardly running desired tear line 147A and 147B.

In principle, these desired tear lines can also be configured as dual, parallel running perforations. In particular in the area of the downwardly running parts 147A and 147B of the desired tear lines 145, a tab 144 can also be molded on in this way (not shown in the drawing), enabling an improved application of force. The drawing depicts a variant in which the tab 144 aligns laterally with one of the two corded desired tear lines.

The drawing only shows one version with a single depression 120. However, it is definitely conceivable for the two parallel depressions 120 to be arranged relatively adjacent to each other. This enables the insertion of a straw having an accordion-like bending region in about the middle. In this case, the straw is inserted into the two parallel depressions in such a way that the harmonica-like bending region exhibits a hairpin bend of approx. 180°. The bend now comes to lie in the straw gripping zone 126, making it easy to pull out the straw.

In the version with just one depression 120, it makes sense to use a telescoping straw. This is reasonable, since the length of the depression is less than the height of the plastic tab. In the telescopically extended state, however, the straw is longer than the height of the plastic tab, and can thus not fall into the bottle.

Another significant feature of the invention is that the shrink wrap hose 140 extends as far as over the lower end of the depression 120, and tightly adjoins the jacket wall 110. The shrink wrap hose 140 is most preferably even designed to extend partially into the footprint 11. As a consequence, a tight pocket comprised of the lower part 141 of the shrink wrap hose and the depression 120 remains behind even after the upper part 142 of the shrink wrap hose has been removed. This ensures that liquid from the straw remains trapped in the pocket, preventing the consumer from being soiled by leaking liquid.

REFERENCE LIST

-   1 Biotechnical reaction vessel -   3 Stirrer -   100 Plastic bottle -   110 Jacket wall -   111 Footprint -   112 Lower conical region -   113 Tapering region -   114 Neck -   115 Gripping aid -   116 Bulges in jacket wall -   117 Vertically running grooves -   118 Surface of jacket wall -   120 Depression -   121 Floor -   122 Directional change toward neck -   125 Grasping zone -   126 Straw gripping zone -   127 Supporting elements -   128 Clamping bead -   130 Straw -   131 Upper part of straw -   140 Shrink wrap hose -   141 Lower part of shrink wrap hose -   142 Upper part of shrink wrap hose -   143 Upper edge of shrink wrap hose -   144 Tab -   145 Desired tear line -   146 Horizontal part of desired tear line -   147A Partial desired tear line running straight down -   147B Downwardly running partial desired tear line 

1. A plastic bottle with at least one depression embedded into a jacket wall for receiving a straw wherein the plastic bottle comprises a lower, region that cylindrically or conically expands from a base of the bottle toward its neck, and is followed by a region that conically tapers toward the neck, wherein the depression in the jacket wall proceeds along a straight line from the area above the base and empties in the conically tapering region, which exhibits a straw gripping zone, wherein a straw is inserted into the depression, and a shrink wrap hose covers the jacket wall at least to an extent where the straw is completely covered, wherein the shrink wrap hose comprises a desired tear line whereby the shrink wrap hose can be separated in an upper region, wherein the desired tear line is arranged such that at least part of the straw gripping zone can be exposed and the shrink wrap hose tightly adjoins the jacket wall of the bottle, thereby leaving behind a receiving space comprised of the depression and the residual shrink wrap hose after the upper region has been separated.
 2. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, further comprising supporting elements situated on the side of the straw gripping zone.
 3. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, further comprising a grasping zone arranged between the conically expanding region and the conically tapering region.
 4. The plastic bottle according to claim 2, wherein the supporting elements diverge from each other from the grasping zone toward the neck at least in the upper end region of the straw gripping zone, whereby the straw gripping zone is widened.
 5. The plastic bottle according to claim 2, wherein the supporting elements are formed as a single piece comprised of jacket wall elements projecting radially outward from the jacket wall.
 6. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the depression exhibits a semi-cylindrical cross section over its entire length up to the straw gripping zone, and comprises at least one clamping bead arranged on an edge of the depression.
 7. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein a floor of the depression exhibits a directional change toward the neck in the region of the straw gripping zone, so that an upper part of the straw stowed in the depression extends somewhat away from the floor of the straw gripping zone.
 8. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein at least the part of the shrink wrap hose present above the desired tear line is opaque.
 9. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the desired tear line runs from an upper edge of the shrink wrap hose limitedly toward the base, and changes over or empties into a continuous, self-contained desired-tear line.
 10. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the shrink wrap hose is provided with a tab, which makes it easier to apply a force in the area of the desired tear line.
 11. The plastic bottle according to claim 10, wherein the desired tear line is formed by a perforation or weakened material.
 12. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the jacket wall comprises horizontally running bulges and corresponding horizontally running grooves, which increases the turbulence in the product while shaking, and improves foaming.
 13. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the plastic bottle exhibits two adjacent, parallel depressions for receiving a straw that can be bent like a hairpin.
 14. The plastic bottle according to claim 1, wherein the straw has a telescoping design. 